This document provides an introduction to dynamic positioning (DP) systems used on vessels. It defines DP and its components according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), including the DP control system, thruster system, and power system. It describes the six degrees of freedom of vessel movement and how DP systems use thrusters, position reference systems, and sensors to automatically maintain a vessel's position and heading. It outlines the main modes of DP including standby, joystick, and auto position modes. Finally, it discusses various applications of DP systems for operations like pipe laying, dredging, drilling, cable laying, heavy lifting, and more.

1. Introduction to Dynamic
Positioning

2. Forces and Motions

3. Forces and Motions

4. Vessel Movement

5. The Six Degrees of Freedom
P I T C H
R O L L
H E A V E
SURGE SWAY YAW
Measured by means of position reference systems Measured by means of gyro
PITCH ROLL HEAVE
Measured by means of vertical reference sensor. VRS, VRU, MRU
Controlled by means of thrusters

6. Environmental Sensors

7. Position Reference Systems

8. DP definitions - IMO
IMO
DP-vessel:
Dynamically positioned vessel (DP-vessel) means a unit or a
vessel, which automatically maintains its position, (fixed location
or predetermined track), exclusively by means of thruster force.
IMO
DP-System:
Dynamic Positioning system (DP-system) means the complete
installation necessary for dynamically positioning a vessel comprising
the following sub-systems:
 DP-control system
 Thruster system and
 Power system

9. What is a Dynamic Positioning System
IMO (International Maritime Organization)
“the complete installation necessary for dynamically
positioning a vessel comprising of the following sub-systems”

10. DP Definitions - IMO
DP Control System
DP Control System means all control components and systems,
hardware and software necessary to dynamically position the vessel.
The DP control system consists of computer and joystick systems,
sensor system, display system (operator panels), position-reference
systems and associated cabling and cable routing.

11. DP System - IMO
• Power system
• Thruster system
• DP Control system, with:
- Computers
- Joystick systems
- Sensors
- Position Reference-systems
- Display system
- Operator panels
- Cabling and cable routing

12. Main Purpose of a DP system
• Provide single Joystick control of all thrusters
• Maintain position and heading of the vessel by automatic
control of thrusters
• Change position and heading by automatic control of
thrusters

13. MAIN MODES
OF
DYNAMIC POSITIONING

14. DP Main Modes
• Standby mode
• Joystick mode
• Auto Position mode

15. Standby Mode
• Standby Mode is a waiting and reset mode in which the system is in
a high state of readiness, but in which no vessel control commands
can be made

16. Joystick Mode
Main Functions
• Provide single Joystick control of all thrusters
• Possibility for Environmental Force Compensation
• Possibility for Mixed Joystick/Auto mode

17. Auto Position Mode
Main Functions
• Present Position
• Change Position
• Present Heading
• Change Heading

18. Other DP Modes
• Auto Track mode
• Autopilot mode
• Offshore Loading modes
• Follow Target mode
• Seismic Track mode
• Trackline mode

19. APPLICATIONS OF DP OPERATIONS

20. Supply / Multi-role Vessels

21. Dive Support Vessel

22. ROV Operations

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24. Pipe Laying Vessel - Solitaire

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Pipelay Methods

26. DP Reel-lay vessel “Norlift”

27. Cable Lay & Repair Vessel – Cable Innovator

28. Dredging

29. Drilling Rig West Eminence

30. Drilling Vessel West Polaris

31. Rise Angle Mode

32. Rock Dumping Vessel - Sandpiper

33. Rock Dumping

34. Heavy Lift - Thialf
14200 Tons

35. Heavy Lift Cargo Vessels

36. Cruise Liners

37. Rocket Launcher - Sea Launch

38. Minehunting - HNoMS Måløy

39. Submarine Rescue – HMS Belos

40. Turbine Installation Vessel

41. Advantages / Disadvantages of DP
Advantages
No mooring lines / anchors
No tugs required
Quick and easy setting up
Can shift quickly
Rapid response to weather
Various modes of operation
Ability to work in any depth
Task completion more quickly
No damage to sea bed
Disadvantages
Equipment failure
Higher fuel consumption
May “Run Off”
Problems in shallow waters
Position Reference Systems
Redundancy for most tasks
Competent staff
Higher day rates